Kaiāwhina (Cook)

Kia hiwa rā!
Do you love cooking for people — not just plates?
Are you passionate about supporting whānau experiencing homelessness and helping create better outcomes?
Do manaakitanga and whanaungatanga guide how you show up each day?

Join Whare Āwhina as a Kaiāwhina (Cook) and make a real difference in Whangārei.

About Us:
Whare Āwhina takes a whānau ora integrated approach to support our community. Based in Whangārei, we provide a wide range of services including Community Law, Whānau Support, Community Housing, a Community Café, Social Supermarket and Food Rescue.

Our mission is to empower whānau by challenging injustice, inspiring change, and leading innovation with whānau wellbeing and aspirations at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role:
We’re looking for a caring, capable and community-minded Kaiāwhina (Cook) to:

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals for whānau

• Help create a warm, inclusive and safe environment

• Support our team and volunteers to ensure whanau are well cared for

• Work alongside our lead Kaiāwhina in day-to-day operations

• Take the lead on Saturdays — planning the menu, managing stock and running service

This is a hands-on role. You’ll need to be confident, organised and comfortable leading the kitchen when required.

Position details:

• Permanent, part-time (24 hours per week)

• Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday

• Based in Whangārei

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve meals in a welcoming, inclusive environment

• Support menu planning and daily kitchen operations

• Lead Saturday service (menu, stock, coordination and delivery)

• Guide and support volunteers in the kitchen

• Maintain food safety standards and a clean, organised workspace

• Help keep café communal areas and bathrooms clean and welcoming

• Communicate clearly with the team and complete required documentation (including incident reporting)

What We’re Looking For:

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• A compassionate, community-focused approach

• Strong initiative and reliability

• Experience in a semi-commercial kitchen

• Confidence cooking for larger groups (70+ people)

• The ability to guide volunteers positively and respectfully

• Physical capability for lifting supplies and completing cleaning tasks

• A genuine commitment to manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a kaupapa-driven organisation

• Work in a supportive, values-based team

• Make a tangible impact in your community

• Contribute to something bigger than yourself

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining:

• Your relevant experience

• Why this role speaks to you

• What you would bring to our Community Café

For a copy of the job description, email: anne-marie@whareāwhina.org.nz

Shortlisting and interviews may take place as applications are received. The role may be filled before the closing date.

Applications close: 5.00pm, Friday 3 April 2026.